Continental Britons Opening

Jewish Refugees from Nazi Europe
8 May - 20 October 2002

This major new exhibition relates the unique and extraordinary story of Jewish refugees who fled from Nazi persecution to find safety in Britain in the years immediately prior to World War II.

'Continental Britons' was declared open by former Berliner, distinguished academic and adviser to three Prime Ministers, Lord Moser. He spoke warmly of his gratitude to Britain and took pride in the many talented refugees from Germany and Austria who had contributed to their adopted country's scientific advance, study of history and art, architecture, music and in many other spheres, as well as all those who were pleased to have made more modest contributions.

AJR Chairman, Andrew Kaufman, explained that, in addition to the exhibition on display, there was an outstanding programme of cultural events being promoted throughput the six months of its duration. (A special events brochure can be obtained from the Jewish Museum Tel: 0207 284 1997). A series of filmed interviews with former refugees had been produced and was being shown, and a concise, illustrated history of the refugees who settled in North-West London had been published jointly by the AJR and the Jewish Museum and was on sale.

The Association of Jewish Refugees was founded as a self-help organisation in during the war in 1941. The AJR, which ends its 60th anniversary celebrations with the exhibition, continues to preserve German-Jewish cultural values, represent the interests of its members, publish its own views and commentaries and to secure the welfare of the refugees and their families.